Regarding Tourist Cards, here's the scoop: Absolutely NO problems acquiring a Cuban Tourist Card from ANY departure point in Canada, Mexico, Central/South America or the Caribbean. Everyone else on your flight to Cuba from Grand Cayman Airport will be doing the same thing, you can't board the aircraft without it.

Do NOT listen to the Cuban Embassy in Sydney. They'll swear you must get the TC from them before you leave Oz. Ignore them, it's a rip-off scam...

Remember though Romino, that it is completely illegal for you to visit Cuba as a tourist. It's basically a non-issue for American citizens these days, but since you are living in the US as a foreign national your situation is slightly more complicated because you have ZERO rights in the US.

Unlike departing from the UK or Europe the Cuban Tourist Card is a simple issue when departing from North/Central/South America.

You will always either be given the Tourist Card as part of your ticket or be afforded the opportunity to purchase the Tourist Card right at the airport when you're departing from Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Venezuela and PANAMA,

Everyone on your flight in Panama will be purchasing the TC right at check-in. No one can board the aircraft with it.

I'm an Australian travelling to the US under the visa waiver program. Then intend to visit Cuba via Mexico or Bahamas. I need to return to the US before returning to Australia. Will I have an issue returning to the US after Cuba ?

1.) The reason I asked is because with most package tours the Tourist Card is included, but if you're flying independently you have to arrange the TC on your own and you are NOT allowed to board the aircraft without it. ( Thomas Cook, MyTravel, First Choice/Thomson holidays & Cuba Holidays Direct supply usually supply it, Cubana or Virgin Atlantic may not.) If you can easily get to an Embassy/Consulate then here's a service that works very well:

Thanks Terry, I was looking at fares and the best I am getting is 1400 for 2 ex Dublin with Air France so I may go down the travel agent route after all. I haven't looked at the hire car links yet but my husband is a very good driver who loves a challenge so it might be our thing! Have you any recommendations for Havana?

I'm an Australian travelling to the US under the visa waiver program. Then intend to visit Cuba via Mexico or Bahamas. I need to return to the US before returning to Australia. Will I have an issue returning to the US after Cuba ? can any one help me in this ? plx

1.) migsy, before you get too excited about car hire be sure to read my link above... car hire is NOT for everyone, especially with the Viazul Bus supplying very decent service between all the tourist spots and with local taxi hire so inexpensive.

2.) Kate Lee, your questions was answered several posts above. No, it is not an issue for a non-US citizen/resident to visit the US after being in Cuba.

Hey there. I'm a South African Citizen currently living in Saudi Arabia with a Residence Permit with my British husband. I need a visa for the UK when we go over there, but will I be able to also get a TC in the UK while we are there on holiday so we can go straight from our holiday in the UK to an extended holiday to Cuba? Don't know yet whether we will take an all inclusive package or purchasing our plane tickets online, but should we do it ourselves, would I be able to get a TC in the UK (perhaps at the airport?)

Hi Terry, am processing my visa now. Do you know anything about the flights between Caya Coco and Havana - the guy I am dealing with in Havana says they are not very reliable, delays and cancellation at short notice? The alternative he is quoting is quite pricey so thought this might be a b etter alternative.

Have you had any feedback from anyone successfully managing to purchase a Cuban tourist pass at Heathrow airport? The 'cuba tourist visa online' company have informed my that they don't have enough time to post a tourist card to me in Australia nor are they willing to send it to my London hotel.... any suggestions? Thanking you in anticipation!